Saturday was beautiful, after a day of working hard putting up hay at the farm in Rich Hill, we drug an old row-boat down to Walnut Creek and slid down the muddy hillside into the water.

My Grandson Cody and my Granddaughter Holly sat aft and fore while I plowed away with the old wooden oars. As we made our way in to the swollen river we found the current was pulling us along pretty well.

Shortly after coming out of Walnut Creek, we saw several fishermen at the usual spot by the old Haymaker Bridge. They waved as we passed by, trying to stay as far from their lines as we could. We had to work pretty hard to avoid all the trees and debris in the river.

We rounded the curve in the River into the Bates County Drainage ditch and the current slowed a bit. We passed by some folks in a small motor boat, that were kind enough to slow down and say howdy.

About four miles I figure; by river, we wound up pulling ashore at the Bates County Water District pump house. The new facility is almost done. Mostly dry we called my wife to come and get us. Grandpa Milt Enlow and Grandma Sue Enlow came with her to pick us up. The kids and I had a great time sitting on the toolbox in the back of the truck watching the dust kick up behind the trailer. Don't tell anyone but I actually let Cody drive us back. He loves to drive and I figure if it's good enough for Alan Jackson (Drive) it's all right for this thirteen year old too!

We made the trip of roughly four miles by river in about an hour and fifteen minutes. That means with a little rowin' we rode that ol river at about 18.75 miles per hour.